My TWO YEAR story...

I've been meaning to post my two year follow-up since November.
Now that I have some time... here's my story... thankyou everyone for helping me along my journey.
You just don't know how much you've touched me.

I have been overweight, obese and morbidly obese since childhood. Every diet brought me temporay success and only brought the weight up higher after each attempt. Several years ago I thought I needed more than just another diet, I needed some help and sought out a qualified surgeon to help me. I was scared but knew in my heart of hearts this was my only way out of the vicious cycle of weight loss and gain. I could lose weight but couldn't grasp the maintenance part... it eluded me. It took two years after finding Dr. Alan Wittgrove to finally commit to surgery. I began the process on my birthday, July 31, 2006. I was approved and had lap RNY on November 13, 2006.

Prior to RNY, I was on two blood pressure medications, reocurring migraines and had a family history of morbid obesity, diabetes, heart failure and joint replacements. My parents both passed at young ages. My joints ached and I would find myself out of breathe often. I wasn't happy with where my life was heading physically and life was becoming harder and harder.

Post RNY, I went from 313lbs to 124lbs. in about 18 months time. I consistantly ate right, took my supplements and worked out knowing this was my last chance to reach my dream of dreams. I had the power to due it now with the help of RNY. I worked very hard for my success and it wasn't easy but I learned even more and love myself even more. Every baby step I took to improve my health, I would be that much closer to my goal. I reset my goals along the way as I surpassed my original 185lb. goal.

When my weight stabilized over several months time, I went ahead for my plastics consults. I learned a lot during these consults from each and every doctor. I never thought I'd EVER have plastics, not me, but after the massive weight loss I had about ten pounds of excess skin which needed removal. My doctors asked me to gain a few pounds before surgery. No lipo necessary. Unbelievable.

I had my plastics on July 4th with Dr. Quiroz at CosMed Clinic. Dr. Quiroz and his team were no less than WONDERFUL and I now consider them part of my family. At one time, I had the full body-lift with anchor-cut, breast-lift with implants and fat injections to my behind... lol! I donated my own blood. I stayed at an aftercare facility for five days and then was given the okay to come home.

Several days later, I had complications due to an allergic reaction to medication and stopped eating. My weight went down to 116lbs and I had become anemic. My housemate Bev, would wake up during the night to check on me in my recliner to see if I was still breathing. She saw my health decline rapidly. I was one morning away from being admitted to the hospital. I switched pain meds and was instructed by my doctor to eat every two hours. I was unable to walk or place my feet down flat. I was in so much pain. I was scared, swollen beyond belief, seeping out of every seam. I've never been through anything like this in my life. It was HELL, nothing less. I continued to stay in close contact with my doctor and went to all of my follow-ups. I was out of work for an additional two weeks due to the setback with pain meds.

I don't know what I would do without the selfless care of my housemate Bev. I can never thank her enough. My long-distance boyfriend Barry, how I love you! You give me the freedom to be who I need to be. Rufus, your calls everyday... we've become great friends and I've learned so much through your struggles. Kirsten for your constant cheering and friendship, you made my hell pass and let me know I wasn't alone as you had just gone through your plastics phase with Dr. Quiroz. Janel, we met at one of my follow-ups just as you were heading into surgery the next day. We both had our hardships with our recovery but pulled through, you're a true friend. I love your spirit. And when I was finally feeling up to it to post on these boards, you were all so kind to me. You reminded me I wasn't alone and that each day would be better. Recovery from plastics is a trial. All the prior research still didn't prepare me for what I was in for. I'm almost 6 months out and still feel tight and sore at times but the swelling has passed.

Two years ago, I made the decision to change my life. I've never been so proud of my accomplishments. This was personal. This was the one area of my life I'd always seem defeated. With the help of RNY and ever so important support through this community, my dream has come true two-fold.

I pass my knowledge on to the next who walk the same path. I encourage and cheer those on through the good and tough times. I know it doen't happen in a day and we each have our own struggles. I still look to my mentors and strive for new goals.

What will this year bring? I'm committed to good health by eating right and taking supplements, varried workouts including cycling and remaining at a steady healthy weight. This new year may bring a career change that takes me out of the desert. Something I've been wanting to persue once I've reinvented myself physically. Now, I'm at that place. Time to move toward my next goals.

Thank you one and all from the bottom of my heart.

Blessings for 2009,
Kim

Saying that recovery from plastics is a trial is such an understatement......I tell you, I've had 5 surgeries, and this was by far the most difficult one I ever had to go through. Even had I not had the complications I had, it still would have been tough.

Meeting you the day before my surgery was a blessing, I truly believe that. We've become dear friends and for that I am thankful.

Thanks for sharing your update with us....blessings to you too this up and coming year.

Luv U!

Thank you for sharing your experiences and good luck on wherever your journey takes you.  Spread your tiny wings and fly awaaaay. :-)

Happy New Year,
---jan---

Very well said Kim.....and thanks for all of the info and knowledge.  I have my appt set for my plastics on Jan 29 and am very excited but scared and nervous at the same time.....but I do now this is something I want so badly to continue my journey.

Have a great new year....
Hugs

Great 2 year story and you are welcome for the times I came and gave your housemate a break and the experience I imparted to you! Keep up all the great work!